Encampment returns to Bolton Landing

Re-enactors participating in a 2012 encampment portraying French & Indian War soldiers and family members prepare a meal in Bolton Landing’s Rogers Park. A similar encampment occurring Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 includes ship-to-shore battles at 2 p.m. each day. The public is invited to witness the events and get a taste of Colonial life in the mid-1700s.

An encampment of French and Indian War re-enactors will be occurring on the shores of Bolton Landing on June 15 and 16, and the public is invited to witness aspects of life the way it was more than 250 years ago.

Lake George was the all-important water highway between New York and Montreal during this seven-year conflict that defined North America.

French Commander the Marquis de Montcalm gathered troops — at about where the re-enacters will have their tents set up — to prepare for the attack against the British at Fort William Henry in 1757. This victory proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of our nation.

Visitors to the encampment will experience the camps as they prepared for war and witness the daily life of the soldiers and camp followers.

Battles between the bateaux and shore forces with cannon fire will take place at 2 p.m. each day. Sutlers will offer 18th century wares, as they did when these vendors followed the encampments in old days, offering provisions. They’ll also be sharing camp lore with visitors.

In addition to the battle and children’s activities, Jack Vargo will be signing his book describing aspects of Colonial life. Thomas Shea of Blankets of Wool will be displaying and selling antique and replica blankets. An artisan will be creating pieces of jewelry featuring antique glass, metal, and semi-precious stone beads on-site.

All events are free. Sponsors of the encampment include the Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce, Town of Bolton Landing, Warren County Tourism and the Lake George Mirror.